Telling the Story of our HOPE, part 1

Part 1 of a 3-part series challenging us as believers to go beyond sharing just our "faith" but also #HOPE as we tell OUR STORY.

 

 

 

 

We have this #HOPE as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure...

Hebrews 6:19

 
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the HOPE that you have.
1 Peter 3:15

The Apostle Peter had some things to say to the Christ followers of the 1st century who were under persecution for their faith.  As a missionary, I have spent a few years with a lot to say about sharing our faith with others.

Our theme this year at Evident Ministries is:  #TellingTHEStory.  Telling the story like it's our job.   We've challenged ourselves and others to "Tell THE Story"... not just any story... THE Story. 

But, THE story we are telling is not only about our faith.  It is also about our HOPE.

We spend a lot of time as Christ followers talking about sharing our faith.  But what about our sharing our HOPE?  I do believe there is a difference.

Are you ready for this?  Because here it comes...  The difference is this:  When we share our faith without talking about our HOPE, we are looking back.  

When we share our faith without talking about our HOPE:

• We are looking back to the cross of Jesus where He DID die for our sins.
• We are looking back to the resurrection where Jesus absolutely proved there IS life after this life and it is eternal life.
• Maybe we are even looking back as far as the old testament prophecies Christ fulfilled.
• Or maybe other times we are just looking back to what we used to be before we gave our lives over to Jesus...and what He has done for us.

But, can I just tell ya something?  When Jesus died on that cross, He said something important.  He said, "It is finished!"  Listen, when we share the HOPE we absolutely have in Christ Jesus, hey, we are looking ahead!  We are saying to folks who don't yet know Jesus:

“Hey, listen up!  Here’s why I’m confident about the future!”

“Here’s why I’m optimistic when everybody else is pessimistic!” 

When we share our hope we are looking forward!  When someone says to us:

"Why are you always so optimistic?”

“Why do U have joy even when bad stuff happens?”

“Hey, where does that hope come from?”

The Bible says, “Always be ready with an answer.”

Now, I don’t about you.  I don’t know your life.  I don’t know about your mountains or about your valleys.  But, here’s what I know about mine:

“Life is hard, but God is good!”

Can I just ask you a question?  Do you believe that or not?  I mean, God IS good…right?  Yes, sir He is!  AND, it is because of God’s goodness that we, His people, can have HOPE!  We have ourselves HOPE for today.  And we have ourselves tomorrow.

Now I don’t know how a person could truly believe that and somehow NOT have a burden to be #TellingTHEStory like it's their job!

Can I just tell ya something?  Church... we need to get after it church and really, for real, be about HIS business, making a ruckus in Jesus name every where we go!